Daw said: "I was out after training today just having shots at goal and I saw (coach) Brad (Scott) in the corner of my eye. I didn't see it coming."

His selection was released in a tweet from the club with a hashtag: "Majak Happens".

Scott said the club had never felt pressured into playing the raw ruckman/forward, even when his VFL highlights reel caught the eye of fans.

"We are not picking him because it is a great story; we are picking him because we think he can help us win the game," Scott said. "I understand that externally a lot of people have wanted to see 'Maj' out playing AFL footy for us before this time.

"My responsibility is to the club and Majak, and to make sure ... he is ready."

Scott said Daw now realised how much work was required to play AFL.

"Majak would be the first to tell you his teammates probably didn't have the greatest respect for him because he didn't know how to work hard," Scott said. "(After) this pre-season, all of the boys have enormous respect."

The first call Daw made after being told the good news was to parents William and Elizabeth.

They will be there at Etihad Stadium, along with Daw's eight siblings.

"Coming from another country and having the experiences of what my family has gone through has shaped me," he said. "I'm very proud of my culture.

"There are a lot of Sudanese community here in Melbourne. I think they look up to me and I take ownership to do the right thing."

The family fled Sudan to Egypt, where they spent three years waiting for visas.

North Melbourne ruckman Majak Daw provided the first highlight of the match with a strong mark backing into a pack. Picture: Wayne LudbeySource: Herald Sun

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